After Grammy-winning singer Pink spoke out against Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks, actor Javier Bardem shared several posts supporting a petition calling for her to be removed from her role as a UNICEF ambassador, according to entertainment site Just Jared. The controversy began after Macklemore appeared as Ed Sheeran’s opening act in New Jersey and called from the stage to “free Palestine” as images from the war in Gaza were shown behind him.
In response, Pink shared a post from the organization StopAntisemitism, which accused the rapper of “anti-Israel propaganda.” She also shared memes carrying messages such as: “A clown’s job is to please everyone.”
Javier Bardem calls for Pink to be removed from her role as UNICEF ambassador over Gaza remarks
(Photos: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images; Daniel Cole/Reuters)
The singer later published a roughly 1,000-word post on social media explaining why she chose to speak out against Macklemore. In it, she noted that she has served for a decade as a UNICEF ambassador and has met children born into the reality of war.
A petition has now been launched calling for Pink to be removed from the role. Bardem, 57, shared several posts about it Monday in his Instagram Stories in an effort to encourage his 1.6 million followers to sign.
“Pink’s recent statements are not only regrettable, but also inconsistent with her role as a UNICEF ambassador — someone expected to promote peace, understanding and humanitarian values above personal bias,” the petition states.
“UNICEF’s mission is to protect the rights and dignity of all children, regardless of political affiliation or geographic borders. We trust its ambassadors to carry the torch of those principles, foster inclusive dialogue and promote meaningful support.”
The petition goes on to call on UNICEF to “take decisive action and remove Pink from her role as an ambassador. Such a step would reaffirm UNICEF’s commitment to neutrality and its dedication to all children, regardless of nationality or heritage.”
Macklemore was removed from the remainder of Sheeran’s tour following the pro-Palestinian remarks he made on stage.
The move triggered a wave of withdrawals from the tour, with other opening acts and Sheeran’s backing band also announcing that they were pulling out.